BUZZ-France: playing an improved consumer backdrop

** Anecdotal evidence of an improving backdrop from French-exposed companies in Q1 earnings season borne out by latest round of consumer data

** French consumer confidence print of 92 for February equals reading of May 2012, highest level since November 2010

** Consumer spending beats analyst expectations for second month in a row (+0.6 pct MoM v predicted -0.5 pct). Chart: http://link.reuters.com/vyv24w

** Randstad talking up conditions in France , Peugeot (Other OTC: PUOGF - news) domestic performance improving, Credit Agricole says consumer picture looking brighter

** Kingfisher (LSE: KGF.L - news) derives 40 pct revenues from France, stock up 8.5 pct in the last three trading days

** Electrical retailer Darty derives 46 pct revenues from the country

** Other European stocks exposed to the French consumer: Abertis Infrastructure (32 pct France) Aviva (26 pct), RTL (26 pct), Adecco (VTX: ADEN.VX - news) (24 pct), Hammerson (22 pct), Rentokil (21 pct) (RM (LSE: RM.L - news) : alasdair.pal.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net)